It is a cradle of civilization where the early Mayan and Incan settlements originated and thrived in glory. Of the various tourist destinations in these states, lets look at the top 15 places that are a ‘must see’

The Amazon

Boat rides in the Amazon River; hikes, treks and canopy walk in the Amazon jungle are all great ways to soak in this great tropical rain forest area.

The Macchu Picchu

The ‘Old Peak’ located in Peru offers a glimpse of the early Incan civilization. In and around this area one could see the architectural remains of a well laid out Incan settlement, inclusive of roads, temples, sanctuaries and parks. It is a World Heritage Site.

Iguazu Falls

The Iguazu falls in Argentina is both taller and wider than the Niagra falls, shaped like a horseshoe with many cascading streams. It is a World Natural Heritage Site. The falls are a part of the Iguazu National Park, which offers activities like hiking, helicopter and boat rides to the falls.

Colca Canyon

Located in the Andes mountain ranges in Southern Peru, the Colca Canyon is one of the lesser-known canyons. It is the deepest Canyon in the world, deeper than the Grand Canyon and home to the Andean Condor, an endangered majest bird of prey.

Ecuador

The Equator passes through Ecuador and hence the name. The capital Quito has an Equatorial Monument which worth a visit. The Chimborzo national park houses Mount Chimborazo, the most distant point from the center of the earth.

Rio-de-Janiero

Rio in Brazil is well known for its carnival celebrations and beaches. The Copacabana beach, National Museum of Fine Arts, National Historical Museum and the Statue of Christ- The Redeemer are a few places to visit while in Rio.

Mount Cotopaxi

Mount Cotopaxi in the vicinity of Quito is claimed to be the highest active volcano in the world. It is almost a symmetrical cone with the top of the mountain being snow clad. 

The Galapagos Islands

Another World Heritage Site and a Biosphere reserve, the Galapagos Islands are home to variety of flora and fauna. Visited by a number of scientific expeditions, it is here that Charles Darwin conducted studies in Geology and Biology, which were crucial to his theory of ‘Natural Selection’.

Angel Falls

It is the world’s highest cascading waterfalls, located in the state of Venezuela. Plane sorties and boat trips are available for closer look at the waterfall.

Kaieteur Falls

It is a single waterfall on the Potaro River in Guyana. Located as part of Kaieteur National Park, it is in the midst of a tropical rain forest, and can be explored by land or by air.

Torres Del Paine

The Towers of Paine, in the Torres Del Paine National Park in Chile is a Biosphere Reserve. The park offers wonderful views of the ice-covered landscape. Tourists are allowed to hike and camp in the National Park.

Atacama Desert

The driest desert in the world, the landscape mostly lies in Chile but parts of it lie in other states of Argentina, Peru and Bolivia. San Pedro, an Oasis village is located in the desert, from where the neighbouring salt lakes, extinct volcanoes, geysers and the Chiu-Chiu lagoon can be accessed.

Jade Museum

The Jade Museum in San Jose, Costa Rica displays a huge collection of jade artefacts from the pre-columbian period. The Museum also has a wide collection of ceramic and terra-cota wares.

The Pampas

The grasslands of Argentina, with sprawling cattle ranches, are also well known for their agricultural produce. The Lihue Calel National Park gives a wonderful experience of the grasslands and the rugged terrain beyond the Pampass.

Acapulco

Acapulco is a popular resort on the pacific coast of Mexico. Its many beaches are worth exploring. At La Quebrada, watch the cliff divers dive into the sea from the surrounding cliff that is about 45 metres in height. 

South America offers a varied experience to the traveler. With climatic extremes, currency and language differences it is most suited for the more adventurous spirit.